Rheindahlen Branch

Bryan´s Story - Part 2 - Tigelot Memorial

Jalhay, Belgium - 21st August 2011

I include the first part of the story that I wrote in 2007
for those readers who may not have seen it.

The annual commemorative service
and ceremonies at Jalhay may always be similar but in fact the
background and history, the presence of the families of the victims
and the poignancy of the occasion increases each time. And
each time a new part of the jigsaw slots into place. Now
Bryan has been coming over from Canada each year since 2007 and his
inspirational research is to be admired. "My Great
Uncle was a Navigator and now I feel that I am doing some
navigating myself in guiding further family members of the victims
to experience Jalhay."

These family members now named "The
Tigelot Family" have also now experienced the genuine homage which
is shown so sincerely by Léon Boulet and the Adans Family with
their untiring dedication to the annual tribute to the crew of the
ill-fated Halifax MZ 829 KN-X of 77 Sqn.

I don't think that Bryan ever
ceases to be moved by the whole occasion and now he confidently
takes the floor during the proceedings after the main ceremony to
express not only his own feelings but underlines his gratitude
towards Jeanine, Marie José and Léon for the honourable and
dignified portrayal of the continuance of their parents' wishes to
recognise the supreme sacrifice of the crew who lost their lives at
the Tigelot crash site.

In Léon's words, "This
sixtieth anniversary is not a culmination, but a stage in
recognition, that we testify to our seven heroes, who became part
of our family."

During his trip Bryan visited the grave of Canadian John
McCrae.

"A part of our Proud Canadian
Heritage at Essex farm where Canadian John McCrae treated the
wounded and wrote the famous "In Flander's Fields" Poem. Growing up
as a kid in school, "In Flanders Field's where poppies grow……"
always played a huge part during Remembrance Day. Brings back
feelings of childhood days. A real sense of Pride and Honour to be
at this location as a Canadian."

Back in Canada after a full
programme in Europe, Bryan is still so obviously charged with
emotion. The furtherance of his searches and visits here
especially to the Canadian memorials and burial sites are captured
in photos and continue to compile a very detailed and interesting
study.